THE GIANT STRENGTH.
DEEP in the midst of dark and gloomy mountains, whose tops
pierced the clouds with their sharp peaks, there lived, many
years ago, a mighty Giant. His name was STRENGTH. He was so
tall, that he could look over the highest hills, and see the morning
sun rising in all its beauty. The deepest rivers could not stop him
in his path; and with his great club, he broke his way through
the thick forests, as though they were reeds.
He lived upon the wild animals of the woods, and when his
hunger was allayed, he would sleep heavily for hours, and his snoring
was like. the sound of distant thunder.
His head would rest upon some mountain-top, with the snow for a
pillow; while his feet reached down to the sweet grass of the valley
below. Now this poor Giant, whose body was so large. and strong,
had never known the difference between Good and Bad.

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The Giant, and Dwarf

REASON SURPRISES

STRENGTH.

His mind was like that of a little child. He had never heard of
the Good God who loves us all; and, in truth, he was no better than
the wild beasts with whom he lived-lie only ate and slept, and then
ate again.
And now, as the night spread its black shadow over the forest, the
Giant slept soundly in the dismal gloom. Fierce brutes were heard
roaring in the distance, and seemed to answer each other in the thick
darkness; but still the Giant slept on, undisturbed, and without fear.
He had no fear, as he had no love, for he knew not the meaning of
either; but the time had now come when he was to be awakened by
the voice of Reason. "Reason," who sadly wandered through the wet
and dismal forest, where the sun's rays never came, gazing sorrowfully
upon the waste around him, and wishing for Strength to put it to a
good purpose. A large and heavy piece of rock now blocked his
way. It seemed too much for him to move-for Reason was but a
man, and a small one.
But tearing up a small tree by the roots, he placed one end
beneath the rock, and soon sent it rolling down the hill. Now, the

The Giant and Dwarf.

K 6

STRENGTH ENRAGED.

Giant, who was by this time wide awake, was watching Reason with
astonished eyes. To see so small a creature move the mighty rock,
filled him with fear as well as surprise. "Who is this?" he growled
fiercely; who dares to come into the forest and disturb my sleep ? "
He then, with a single effort of his strength, tore from its bed a
mighty rock, which might have lain there since the Creation!
In doing this, a few small pieces rolled to the feet of Reason, who,
looking up with surprise, saw the terrible form of the grim monster,
holding above his head the mighty rock, ready to crush him with
its weight!
Not a moment was to be lost; like lightning, he fitted an arrow to
the bow, which he carried at his back. The Giant paused a little at
the action, which he could not understand.
That little moment saved Reason from death, who, taking aim at
the Giant's head, let fly the arrow. It was none too soon, but it
did its work well. It struck the monster full in the middle of his
forehead. With a yell, that shook the forest like a peal of thunder,
he dropped the rock from his grasp, which, bounding from peak to

The Giant and Dwarf.

peak in its rapid descent, burst into a thousand pieces at the bot-
tom.
Hardly less terrible was the fall of the Giant himself, who swayed
backward and forward for a moment as though giddy with the shock,
and then bending slowly, like a stately pine, plunged headlong to the
earth, which trembled at the shock.
At this mighty crash all Nature seemed startled. The beasts
roared in the forests; the birds of prey screamed loudly, as with
fright, and flew in rapid circles, high in the upper air.
For a moment, Reason stood breathless and speechless; then,
breathing a short prayer of thanks to Heaven for his wonderful
escape, he climbed quickly up to the stunned, but still breathing
monster. There the mighty Giant lay, stretched at full length,
helpless and harmless as a little child; but Reason saw that it could
not be for long, and was upon his guard. He knew that as soon as
he recovered his senses, he would at once kill him without mercy.
What to do, that was the point ? For a moment Reason paused
in thought, and then, his face lighting up with hope, he began to
twist a strong rope from a creeping vine which hung down from the
branches of a large tree close by. As soon as he thought his rope
was long and strong enough for his purpose, he softly approached the
still motionless Giant, and tied it strongly around his ankles.
But this was not enough; for as soon as he should recover from
the shock of his fall, he would break the rope in a moment, and
destroy Reason in his blind rage. But once more the bright and
ready mind of Reason came to his aid. He looked around until he
found the branch of a large tree within his reach.
He then threw the loose end of the rope over it, and pulled with
all his strength, until the feet of the Giant were raised high in the
air; and the weight of his body was thus thrown upon his head and
shoulders, so that upon awaking, he would find himself unable to do
any harm, and would be, in fact, entirely helpless. He then fastened
the end around another tree, at some distance, and sat down to rest
and regain his breath at his ease.
It was some time before the Giant began to show any signs of
life; and Reason, being now rested from his fatigue, was impatient
to see him revive. At length, with a dreadful groan that sounded
through the forest like a strong wind, he slowly opened his bloodshot
and languid eyes. For a few moments he looked wildly around,
and did not seem to know where, or who he was; but soon he
became conscious of his strange plight, and observing the rope about
his legs, his rage became fearful. He foamed at the mouth, and,

The Giant and Dwarf.

STRENGTH OVERCOME BY REASON.

just then, perceiving for the first time the form of his small enemy,
watching him from a distance, he began to struggle fiercely to free his
legs from the rope, at the same time making the woods resound with
his roars of rage and despair.
The earth and stones flew about as though moved by a sudden
and violent wind, and the branch to which he was tied (although as
thick as the lody of a man) swayed and cracked fearfully under his
mighty strength. It was an awful sight! the dust rose like a thick
fog from the ground, as he rolled among the crackling branches,
howling and foaming in his vain and furious struggles to escape.
At last, becoming breathless with his frantic exertions, he rested
for a few moments as though thinking what he would do next. Then,
a fresh feeling of his helpless state would seem to come upon him,
and grinding his strong white teeth together, with a grating sound,
that made Reason's blood run cold in his veins, he would again begin
his frightful struggles for freedom with as much vigor as before.
This trial, between Giant Strength and little Reason, had now lasted

The Giant and Dwarf.

STRENGTH FOLLOWS REASON.

nearly an hour; Reason trembled, as he saw that the monster would
soon be free. With quick steps he turned away from the awful sight,
and picking his way through the dark forest, he soon arrived safely on
the shore, where he had landed some hours before.
His little sail-boat was there, anchored near the shore, and wading
out to her, drawing up the anchor, and setting his sail, he was soon
skimming over the blue waters like a sea-bird, and far out of the
reach of the furious Giant.
Strength saw Reason escaping from his vengeance, and fearful of
losing him, made greater exertions than ever to escape from his
bondage. At last, to his great joy, he heard the limb to which he
was tied begin to crack. A few more mighty tugs, and it gave way;
coming to the ground with a crash, almost smothering the unlucky
Giant, who lay sprawling beneath.
But, at last, he was free; he tore the rope from his legs with a
single tug of his strong hands, and springing to his feet, with a roar
like an enraged lion, seized upon a young pine-tree, which grew near,
and dragging it out by the roots, to serve as a club, he rushed down

The Giant and Dwarf.

I. _

STRtiNGTH ALARMED.

the valley with the speed of lightning, breaking and destroying
everything in his path.
He reached the shore. Before him, like a vast emerald, lay the
Summer sea, rippling with little waves, calm and lovely. Its surface
was dotted with small green islands, that smiled softly in the sun,
while the snow-white foam danced amid the painted shells upon the
sand, and then died away in rainbow bubbles among the grass.
But the Giant cared not for the beauty of Nature; his dark and
ignorant mind was thinking only of revenge on Reason. Strength
saw the boat upon the sea, he knew that it contained his foe, and
that he was safe beyond his reach.
For a moment he knew not how to reach him, but at length began
to hurl enormous stones far out upon the water, hoping to sink the
frail-boat, and so drown his enemy; but Reason was upon his guard,
and easily kept clear of the stones, while he sailed gracefully back-
ward and forward in full view of the raging monster.
He shook his immense club at Reason, while the shore resounded
with his yells of rage and disappointment. But it was all in vain;

____

8 The Giant and Dwarf.

Reason sailed calmly upon the bosom of the sea, and seemed to enjoy
the wild rage of the howling Giant.
At length, grown reckless and wild with passion, he makes up his
mind to try and reach the boat by means of wading. He has never
yet been into the sea, and is ignorant of its power, but regards it with
fear as being a thing untried.
He plunges into the green waves which boil around him, disturbed
by his great bulk; he wades on until the waters rise higher and
higher about him; but the farther he goes, the greater seems the
distance of the little boat, which is all the time going slowly from
the land, and gradually drawing the monster after it.
At last the waves creep up to the very lips of Strength; his eyes
bloodshot, seem to glare with fright, and his brute courage begins to
sink with the chill at his heart. His strength, which is so great upon
the land, here avails him not, and he is become as helpless as a child,
and for the first time, feels the sensation of fear.
Reason sees that the frightened Giant is upon the point of sinking,
and is stirred with a kind of pity for the helpless monster. He
determines to try and work upon his fears, and in that manner to
subdue his savage nature, in the same way, that Man tames the
wild beasts of the forest.
He brings the boat near enough to make himself heard, and cries
out with a loud voice: "Listen, Monster! if I do not take pity on
you, you will be swept away and drowned in the cruel sea, and your
bones will rot in the dark caverns of the deep!
"But if you will be guided by me, I can save you; follow
the course of my boat, and I will soon lead you to a small island
where you may rest, for your own land has long since sunk into
the sea."
The Giant was much alarmed at these words of Reason, whom
(although so much smaller than himself) he was now beginning.to
fear. He turned his heavy eyes about in all directions, but could see
nothing but the boundless water, ready to engulf him, and which ha
now reached to his lips.
Reason, then slowly turned his boat, and keeping at a safe distance
from the Giant, led the way toward a small barren island, which was
almost upon a level with the waves.
The Giant slowly followed him with careful steps. Fear had so
thoroughly subdued him, that he became as submissive as a little
child. The water now grew less deep, and soon they had reached the
island. The weak and now humbled Giant gave a great sigh of relief,
when he felt the firm earth once more beneath his feet, and stretching

The Giant and Dwarf.

A4I P

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I ~3--J~1~**7f- ---- -

STRENGTH EXHAUSTED.

himself wearily, dropped heavily to the ground, almost covering the
island with his mighty bulk.
Meanwhile, Reason in his boat, sailed round and round the island,
carefully keeping out of the reach of Strength, in case he should again
become enraged. The sun soon sunk beneath the red and golden
clouds, and was lost amid the shining waves; but still the bruised
and weary Giant lay stretched upon the rocks; his immense limbs,
washed by the waves, that danced and rippled around him.
For a time he lay still as death, the knitting of his heavy brows,
from time to time, alone showing that passion still raged in his breast.
His strong breathing sounded across the quiet sea, like the fierce
growls of an enraged lion, and his limbs began to move restlessly as
his strength gradually returned.
And now the moon rose, softly gilding the tops of the dancing
waves. The tide began to rise, and, as the brooding Giant felt the
water rising higher, and higher around him, he sprang up with a cry
of horror, for it seemed to him as though the island was slowly but
surely sinking in the ocean!

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10 The Giant and Dwarf.

I -

STRENGTH LISTENS TO REASON.

He climbed hastily to the top of the rock, but the surging tide
soon followed, and rolled hissing over his feet as though eager for
its prey.
He gazed with fright and despair upon the vast and heaving
ocean. Where is his island going? The whole world seems buried
beneath the waters-all sunk, but his small speck of refuge, which
must soon follow and leave him to the mercy of the monsters of the
deep; whose fins he already sees rising through the tops of the waves,
and whose bodies grate heavily against the stones.
He was benumbed with fear, as he looked upon the boundless
waste of waters, so beautiful, and yet so cruel; and seeing Reason
drawing near the island with his boat, he called to him for assistance,
in a tone of distress and entreaty, which melted Reason's heart, and
determined him to give the wretched Giant a chance of life.
He, therefore, drew nearer to .the rock, and spoke to the monster
thus: Strength, you now see that you can do nothing without my
aid; if you will then promise to do me no injury, but to obey my
wishes in all things (which will be only for your good), I will rescue
,

--- -- --

He climbed hastily to the top of 'the rock, but the surging tide
soon followed, and rolled hissing over his feet as though eager for
its prey.
He gazed with fright and despair upon the vast and heaving
ocean. Where is his island going? The whole world seems buried
beneath the waters-all sunk, but his small speck of refuge, which
must soon follow and leave him to the mercy of the monsters of the
deep; whose fins he already sees rising through the tops of the waves,
and whose bodies grate heavily against the stones.
He was benumbed with fear, as he looked upon the' boundless
waste of waters, so beautiful, and yet so cruel; and seeing Reason
drawing near the island with his boat, he called to him for assistance,
in a tone of distress and entreaty, which melted Reason's heart, -and
determined him to give the wretched Giant a chance of life.
He, therefore, drew nearer to .the rock, and spoke to the monster
thus: "Strength, you now see that you can do nothing without my
aid; if you will then promise to do me no injury, but to obey my
wishes in all things (which will be only for your good), I will rescue

The Giant and Dwarf.

REASON SHOWS THE USE OF STRENGTH.

you from death, and take you again to the land you so much desire
to see. Tear up the trees which grow upon the top of the rock, which
you are on, bind them together with the strong vines that grow near,
and fasten them firmly around your body; so that when the waters rise
high enough, you will float toward me. I will then tie you fast to my
boat, and guide you safely to the firm land."
The Giant Strength, at once set to work and did as Reason bade
him. In this way he soon.formed a strong raft, and, after pushing it
into the water, seated himself upon it. Reason then threw him the
end of a rope, of which the other end was attached to the little boat,
and spreading his sail to the breeze, towed him, gently toward the
land, which was still lost in the darkness of the night.
For a long time they sailed smoothly on, and at length, the land
began to loom up in the moonlight. Reason, from time to time, spoke
kindly to the now thoroughly humbled Giant, who no longer looked
upon him as an enemy, but seemed lost in wonder at the courage anad
skill of one so small, and yet so powerful.
And now the land.came nearer and nearer; the raft at length

The Gian and Dwarf.

ran into the shallow water, and the Giant waded eagerly to the shore,
where he paced rapidly up and down, with loud shouts of delight.
Reason now anchored his little boat, and then climbing boldly
upon the back of the Giant, was carried in safety to the beach. They
kept on for a while, until they reached the rocky ground at the foot
of the mountains, and there Reason bade the Giant pause.
He now put Reason carefully upon the ground. They sat together
upon the rocks; all his violence and fierce anger was gone, and he
gazed with wondering eyes at the small form of his late enemy, as he
talked to him in gentle tones, and tried to open that darkened mind
to the light.
Suddenly, as they talked pleasantly together, an eagle flew out
from a tall cliff in the distance, and mounted rapidly toward the sky.
While they rested, the morning had come, and the bright sun was
just rising over the distant mountains. The eagle flew in long
circles as he rose, screaming with anger at the sight of the Giant
and his guide.
Reason quickly unslung the cross-bow from his back, and telling
Strength to watch the bird, fitted an arrow to his bow. As the eagle,
with burning eyes, wheeled far above his head, the twang of the
bow-string was heard, and the sharp arrow flying swiftly to its mark,
struck the screaming bird to the heart. A few feathers floated away
upon the morning breeze, and, in a moment more, the wild bird but
a short time since so full of life, fell like a lump of lead at the feet
of Strength.
The Giant trembled with fear, as he saw the effect of so small a
weapon in the hands of Reason. They traveled on peacefully together
until, deep in the gloomy forest, they came upon a monstrous wild
elephant busily feeding upon the branches of the trees. Strength
drew back cautiously, and waited to see what Reason would do.
He had not long to wait. Reason set him to digging a large hole;
he then covered it with boughs torn from the trees. As soon as it
was hidden from view, Reason suddenly showed himself with a loud
shout. The elephant rushed toward him with a trumpet-like yell, and
fell at once, with a mighty crash, into the trap where he lay at the
mercy of his captors.
Strength was still more impressed with this last victory of Reason,
and followed him with all the fidelity of a dog. His respect for
Reason grew stronger, hour by hour, as they crossed deserts and
mountains, and went through the trackless forests like brothers-
Strength often carrying Reason for miles in his strong arms. At
length, they reached a fertile and lovely spot, near the verge of a

The Giant and Dwarf. 13
?:,l; =--- --~--~~~_=~~

happily for a long time. Strength became the docile pupil of -eason;
stones that lay around them, and to pile them upon each other; and

soon Strength beheld with wonder, that he had erected a strong and

with blood, and that dead and mangled bodies strewed the ground!

exclaimed he. This," replied Eeason, is because of my absence;
had I been here,.it could not have taken place. It is what men call
Si i i

forest,' aslv a ca i" wh i

forest, and there built themselves a cottage, in which they lived
happily for a long time. Strength became the docile pupil of Reason ;
he loved him and obeyed him in all things, and soon his darkened
mind began to expand from the effects of Reason's teachings.
He taught him the art of building, how to handle the massive
stones that lay around them, and to pile them upon each other; and
soon Strength beheld with wonder, that he had erected a strong and
beautiful palace.
They often made short journeys into the surrounding country, during
which, Reason would explain everything strange to the attentive
Strength, who thereby grew in knowledge from day to day. One
day they stood upon the top of a mountain, and looking down into
the valley, Strength saw with wonder that the tender grass was stained
with blood, and that dead and mangled bodies strewed the ground!
Strength was shocked at the fearful sight. "What is this, Reason ?"
exclaimed he. "This," replied Reason, "is because of my absence;
had I been here, it could not have taken place. It is what men call
War. They kill and destroy each other according to rule, and call it

The Giant and Dwarf.

- --

STRENGTH SEES THE POWER OF REASON.

Glory; and all to settle some trifling dispute, which is often of no
consequence to anyone.
For this thing called Glory, men, women, and even little children
are cruelly murdered, towns and villages burned, and large tracts of
country given up to utter destruction.
"But why," said Strength, "do you not show them the folly and
wickedness of this ?" "The hour is not yet come," said Reason,
sadly; but I hope the time is not far off, when such dreadful scenes
as we now look upon will be things of the past, and man shall live in
peace and happiness with his brother man, and the whole earth be
one scene of love and concord."
And so they traveled on for many days, until far from the bloody
field of battle, they arrived just as the day began to break, at the edge
of a high hill, which sloped down to a fertile and lovely plain, ending
in a large city, which stood upon the shores of the ocean.
The stars of night paled in the rosy tint of morning. The
twitter of the birds, as they hopped from bough to bough, sounded
sweetly in the soft morning air, while the tiny lark rose high in

The Giant and Dwarf

___

/-F _

THE TRIUMPH OF REASON.

the heavens with cheerful song, as though greeting the glory of the
coming day!
The sheep-bells tinkled merrily as the eager flocks sought the green
herbage of the meadows; and the blue smoke, from hundreds of
dwellings, curling lazily up in the clear air, showed that industry
was busy preparing for the new day.
Strength, with calm and softened eyes, looked forth upon the
tranquil face of Nature, and seemed charmed into silence by the
magic of its peaceful beauty.
Reason watched the face of the now mild and gentle Giant, and
comparing it (in his own mind) with that of the blood-thirsty and
raging monster of a short time back, gave thanks to Heaven for the
wonderful change, of which he had been the humble means.
The light of Reason now shone in the thoughtful eyes of Strength,
and who should set bounds to what the two together could accomplish?
So they remained for a time, until at length Reason broke the silence.
No wonder," said he to the Giant, "that you look with pleasure
and delight upon this lovely scene. How different from the torn and

16 The Giant and Dwarf

lileeding horrors upon which we gazed but a few short days ago!
Here you see the result of strength well directed, and guided by
Reason-here the groaning earth is not covered with the bodies of
the poor victims of war, but smiles with a golden harvest, intended
for the use and benefit of man."
"Here real glory is reaped; where the hand of Man is not raised
against his brother, but only used to aid him with his burdens. I,
Reason, have been here, and here are my children; and my rewards,
covering the fields with the ripening grain, are here about you."
Thus speaking, Reason led the way, and Strength followed him
down through the winding sheep-paths, that twined their way through
the smiling meadows, into the fields that looked so charming in the
distance. Here he showed him the reapers, cutting the ripened
grain, lightening their labor with merry songs; while others followed,
binding the harvest into sheaves, and the children of the poor, gleaned
unharmed what the binders had left.
And now they retraced their steps, and in a short time stood
again upon the top of a breezy crag, from whence they could see
the distant city; and beyond it stretched the mighty ocean, far as
the eye could reach, bearing the commerce of the world upon its
sleeping bosom.
They saw hundreds of ships of all nations, coming and going in
every direction, their various flags fluttering in the breeze; their white
sails gleaming in the sun.
They almost seemed to be things of life, as with expafided wings
they skimmed, like monstrous but graceful sea-birds, over the vast
expanse of rolling, glittering waters.
"Behold!" said Reason, as he pointed to their many-colored flags;
"you see before you the ships of many nations coming in safety to
the same harbor, their only rivalry is in the results of industry. Yes,
thank Heaven! I begin to see my spirit moving in the hearts of
the children of Earth;-like you, they begin to feel the beauties of
love and charity for each other."
"Like you, they find that Reason is the only safe guide."
"Industry, the true warrior, and his only is true glory, who does
the greatest amount of good to his fellow creatures,"